Érik Lira
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
May 8, 2000 (26)
Right
5'8"
137 lb
Creates two chances in loss
Lira generated two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to England.
Analysis: Lira stood out as one of his side's most balanced performers as he had throughout the World Cup, highlighting his 97 percent pass accuracy and couple of chances generated against the European opposition. With the tournament over for him, the holding midfielder made a positive impression, missing only one game due to rest.
Decent impact Tuesday
Lira recorded one tackle (one won) in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Ecuador.
Analysis: Lira returned to action in a central midfield spot after being rested in the final group-stage clash. He didn't stand out in a single aspect of the game, making more of a balanced contribution around the field. Lira has done a good job as his team's midfield shield and ball distributor, averaging 38.3 accurate passes, 1.0 chances created and 1.7 tackles per game so far. However, he may still be involved in a rotation with Edson Alvarez at some point in the final rounds.
Average outing in win
Lira had two tackles (zero won) and one interception in Thursday's 1-0 victory against South Korea.
Analysis: Lira made his usual impact as a lot of the play went through him, but he recorded few offensive stats this time after delivering an assist in the previous matchup. The midfielder has started in each of the first two World Cup games, generating more than 40 passes and multiple tackles in each of those appearances. He'll likely retain limited potential as a source of passes and defensive actions throughout the competition, with his playing time now constantly threatened by the potential inclusion of Edson Alvarez.
Assists versus South Africa
Lira assisted once to go with one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 win over South Africa.
Analysis: Lira took advantage of a defensive mistake to recover the ball near the opposing goal, getting the final touch before Julian Quinones' ninth-minute opener during the victory. The holding midfielder recorded 76 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Edson Alvarez, with whom he's expected to rotate during the competition. Lira is a solid defensive performer, but he's unlikely to find direct contributions to the score sheet in every game given his deep role.
Midfield shield for national team
Lira is in line to make his first World Cup appearances as he contends for a central midfield role in Mexico's lineup.
Analysis: Lira excelled last season in a center-back spot with Liga MX champions Cruz Azul, though he's expected to serve as a holding midfielder for Mexico. His recent performances with the national team have been encouraging, even if most of his production comes through possession and ball recovery numbers rather than attacking contributions. The versatile man can occasionally struggle with fouls, but he could still open the World Cup as a starter while his positional rival Edson Alvarez works his way back to full fitness following a lengthy injury absence.
Gets NT call-up, out for club
Lira is ruled out for the decisive rounds of the Liga MX tournament due to his participation in an early training camp prior to the World Cup, according to the Mexican national team.
Analysis: Lira was a key player for the Cementeros throughout the latest Liga MX campaign, but his absence could lead to increased playing time for Amaury Garcia. Despite featuring as a defender for his club, the 25-year-old is expected to operate in a holding midfield role with Mexico, and he's projected to see significant minutes if Edson Alvarez (ankle) is not fully fit at the beginning of the competition.
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